Dixon also stressed the importance of developing a company culture where employees were 'associates,' making sure customers were getting what they wanted and ensuring that senior management was visible.

Though it took eight years instead of the targeted five years, CompuCom eventually was able to achieve some of its overarching goals. By 2012, the company had increased its data center revenue from 10 percent to 43 percent, and increased its hardware gross margin from 8 percent to 11 percent.

For other companies who are struggling in today's rapidly-transitioning industry, Dixon said that the biggest advice he has is to embrace change.

"You have to step up and make those changes," he said.